Oklahoma Teacher Fired Over Laramie Project Film

Grandfield High School's Debra Taylor the school’s Ethics and Street Law class teacher has been fired over controversy surrounding the showing of gay-themed film The Laramie Project. The movie is about Matthew Shepard's murder and the teacher wanted to facilitate discussion and promote tolerance after initial approval by the schools principal.

After the school principal reneged on his decision and Superintendent Ed Turlington told Ms. Taylor she could no longer show the film due to its subject matter, the teacher held a mock funeral in a nearby park where students could write down their thoughts and release them into balloons to develop a sense of closure on the topic.

The district says she was suspended and then fired by the board for her actions in the park, but others believe it is due to the nature of the play.

Superintendent Ed Turlington can be contacted at:

580-479-5237
eturlington@grandfield.k12.ok.us

Support Alameda H.S. Students on Laramie Project

On Fri, Nov. 14, Alameda High School students will be performing a production of The Laramie Project which was originally going to be picketed by Fred Phelps of the "God Hates Fags" group.

They were trying to get as many people there to show support for the students and hopefully act as a buffer against the kids being further traumatized by that group's despicable tactics.

Apparently the Westboro Baptist Church has canceled their appearance in order to protest in Hawaii instead. Word has it that a candlelight vigil in support of the students will still occur. They are asking people to arrive around 6-6:15 PM. Alameda High is located at 2201 Encinal Ave, Alameda, CA 94501.